Kids Rock for Vision concert chairman and student fundraiser Will Taggart enjoys the opportunity to meet Jake Gyllenhaal during New Eyes 80th Anniversary Dinner at which Gyllenhaal was honored as a lifelong supporter, ambassador and fundraiser for New Eyes.

Since its inception in 2009, Kids Rock has raised more than $30,000 for the nonprofit New Eyes for the Needy located in Short Hills. Summit resident and Morristown-Beard senior, Will Taggart, is the event chair for the third year.

The Street Team Band, comprised of accomplished and talented young musical talent at School of Rock Chatham, will be among the bands performing at Kids Rock, as will Taggart with his original band, Sauce.

This past fall, the Morristown-Beard senior had the opportunity to meet and speak with the actor Jake Gyllenhaal at New Eyes for the Needy’s 80th Anniversary Gala in New York City where the celebrity was honored for his longtime advocacy and support.

"It felt unreal," stated Taggart when Gyllenhaal congratulated him for his work on Kids Rock. "It was an awesome experience to get that recognition from someone like him who has done so much to raise the awareness level of New Eyes."

This will be Taggart’s final year with Kids Rock, having participated in the concert since its inception five years ago. "I’ve been with Kids Rock from the beginning so it’s a bittersweet year, but I’m happy to help the younger kids like George (Psichos) and Andrew (McGann) take the concert forward," Taggart stated. "I’m so glad we have students willing and able to keep raising money for New Eyes. They’re willing to keep making a difference."

All proceeds from concert ticket sales and donations go towards the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses for poor children living in the United States. The concert is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling New Eyes at 973-376-4903 or purchased at the door.